Funeral of Southport Battle of Britain hero Wing Commander John Freeborn is held at Southport Crematorium

THE incredible life of one of Britain’s greatest war time heroes was celebrated as Wing Commander John Freeborn was laid to rest at Southport Crematorium.

Wg Cdr Freeborn who died on Saturday aged 90, flew more operational hours than any other RAF pilot during the Battle of Britain. Family, friends and fellow airmen all paid tribute during a moving service which saw Freeborn’s coffin draped in a Union Jack with a wreath made of poppies.

Squadron Leader Tony Pickering flew with Freeborn many times when he was stationed at Gravesend and John was at Biggin Hill.

He said: “John was a strong disciplinarian and at first we all thought he was a bit rough. He even shouted at me when I was an officer but it was his discipline which saved people’s lives. He was a very good Flight Commander and an exceptional pilot.”

Rev Malcom Dyer, who led the service, praised John’s free spirited nature which often saw him clash with RAF authorities.

He said: “John had a fierce desire to be independent. He found the discipline of school irksome and for many of us he exemplified what we know as the ‘Colditz Spirit’. The few have got much fewer and it is pretty clear they broke the mould with John.”

Wg Cdr Freeborn moved to Southport around a decade ago and was very active in raising money for charity and attending reunions of his various squadrons. Wilf Crutchley who served in 118 Squadron gave a moving eulogy about his close friend.

He said: “During his RAF Career he flew 42 different types of aircraft and he even visited Hollywood on his leave where he was a big hit with the stars, especially the ladies”.

Close friend Bob Cossey, who authored Freeborn’s biography A Tiger’s Tale, said: “He was a role model and hero to many and younger members of the squadron loved hearing his stories. He did not see eye to eye with officers and he was certainly no saint but his integrety as a pilot was without question.